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Town News Center

A few years ago the Town of Windsor Police Department began offering its location, 200 N. 11th St., as a safe exchange zone.

“Websites and apps for buying, selling and trading items continue to increase in popularity which created an inherent safety risk because people are conducting private transactions with complete strangers,” says Sergeant Aaron Lopez.

And while exchanges driven by online forums haven’t been problematic for Windsor residents, the Police Department would like to keep it that way. “Education is key,” says Lopez.

When the Police Department lobby is open, residents can use it to conduct their transactions. The lobby is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. When the lobby is closed, residents can use the front parking lot which is under 24-hour video surveillance.

The Police Department does not provide any personnel, security, or act as witnesses to exchanges made at these locations and transactions involving weapons, drugs or illegal items are not permitted. The police department also won’t provide legal advice or opinions of value, worth, authenticity or legitimacy regarding transactions.

Lopez offered some additional tips to residents making these types of transactions:

Don’t go to a transaction area alone.

Make sure that someone is aware of the transaction details.

Don’t go into someone else’s vehicle or home.

Complete transactions during daylight hours if possible.

If you feel it may be a scam, it probably is.

The Police Department lobby and parking lot can also serve as a location for child custody exchanges.